prescription drug

noun

Synonyms of prescription drugnext
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

Examples of prescription drug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The circumstances of his arrest bear similarities to his May 2017 arrest, after which prescription drugs were found in his system – including hydrocodone. Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026 Starting in July, the drug is expected to be available for $50 to eligible individuals on Medicare Part D—a federal prescription drug benefit program for adults who are aged 65 and older or have certain disabilities. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026 Importantly, side effects aren’t limited to prescription drugs alone. Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 He was arrested on Jupiter Island in 2017 after falling asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle while under the influence of prescription drugs. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prescription drug

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescription drug was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Prescription drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription%20drug. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

prescription drug

noun
: a drug that can be obtained only by means of a physician's prescription

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